Electronic circuits



H. G. CXSIN ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS Filed April 26, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY.

4 July 29, 1941.

H. G. cxsm 2,251,114

ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS Filed April 2s, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Meir z )INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

July 29, 1941. H. G. c zgsnq 2,251,114

ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 2a, 1958 pLI LO '6' F64 J32 I27 i |esv 1a I48 [as ,I39 J :s-r

a I INVENTOR. I

ATTORNEY.

July 29, 1941. H. G. as: 2251,11;

ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS Filed April 26, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 M dii mvmbn BY my 7 ATTORNEY.

Patented July 29, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS Harry G. Cisin, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application April 26, 1938, Serial No. 204,359

12 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in the operation of electrical and electronic apparatus, and more particularly to means in combination therewith for operating such apparatus upon either direct or alternate current, and provides means for operation on direct current irrespective of the position of the plug connecting the power supply. Means are also provided for full wave rectification on alternating current circuits in apparatus susceptible of use on alternating or direct current. Means may be included in the device for efliciently operating standard lower voltage tubes on higher voltage power supply circuits, as well as means for stepping up the power supply Voltage.

While one object of this invention is to provide a novel type of electronic and radio circuit which can be operated interchangeably from any alternating current or direct current source, another important object of the invention is to provide a novel form of amplifying circuit in which exactly the same circuit is used with alternating as with direct current, there being no switches necessary to change from one current to another as is common in devices intended for use with either alternating or direct current. Another important object is to provide a form of amplifying circuit which will give full wave rectification when used on an alternating current source, and can be operated from any direct current source regardless of polarity. Heretofore in circuits of this nature when operating from a direct current source, it has been necessary to reverse the plug, if it be so inserted that polarity is incorrect. In this circuit, however, it is impossible to insert the plug incorrectly inasmuch as polarity does not effect the operation.

In a device embodying the invention, a unidirectional current of positive polarity is impressed upon a filter and an amplifying unit in a radio circuit or other translating device, by means of a rectifying unit having a substantially constant impedance ensuring a continuing constant potential in the current being delivered.

By using electronic rectifying tubes, alone or in conjunction with resistors or condensers, it is possible to not only control the direction of flow of the current, irrespective of the polarity at the source, but to ensure the delivery to the translating device of current of positive polarity, the potential of which is subject only to variations in the potential of the current delivered at the source. Hence, the current impressed upon the translating device circuit will be substantially constant in relation to the line potential.

By the use of agencies such as are employed in a device embodying the invention, it is possible to produce a device which is so compact and has so little weight that it may be readily incorporated in the chassis of even a small radio set, hearing device or other type of translating device, and which, after installation, will require no attention in order to maintain the efiiciency of the device.

In the accompanying drawings, I have illustrated various embodiments of the invention adapting it for use under dilferent conditions.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a diagram of a device in which the rectifying unit is composed solely of electronic rectifying tubes;

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a rectifying unit composed of a combination of resistors and an electronic rectifying tube, and in which the full potential of the line from the source is impressed upon the heater for this tube while--the voltage of the current delivered to the filter is reduced;

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an arrangement similar to that of Fig. 2, in which the heater current is of the same voltage as that delivered to the rectifier, in which, like in Fig. 2, the return is by a ground connection;

Fig. 4 is a diagram similar to that shown in Fig. 2, in which a direct metallic return line is employed, an electronic rectifying tube is used in each return line, and a condenser is used to ingrease the voltage of the current delivered to the Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the employment of a full metallic circuit for use with an alternating current source supply and a ground connection for use with a direct current source, the electronic rectifying tubes being between the source and the filter instead of in the return line, and in which condensers are used in lieu of resistors; and

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an arrangement similar to that shown in Fig. 4, but omitting the condenser for raising the voltage impressed upon the filter.

It will be seen that each embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings has, in common with all other embodiments, a rectifying unit adapted to receive current from a source, and which embodies one or more electronic rectifying tubes so arranged in relation to each other, or so combined with resistors or condensers as to have substantially constant impedance and thus impress upon a filter a unidirectional current of positive polarity and of a potential substantially constant with relation to the line potential, irrespective of the polarity of the terminals of the source with which the device is connected, and whether this source has a direct or an alternating current. Furthermore, each of these devices embodies a rectifying unit connected with the source by two branch lines, thus affording two constantly closed paths for the current flow, both of which are utilized with an alternating current source, and either of which may be utilized according to the polarity of the connection with the terminals of a direct current source.

It will also be noted that in each of the embodiments illustrated, the arrangement of the rectifying unit in relation to the filter is such as to eliminate substantially all hum from an alternating current, or from those pulsations commonly present in a direct current.

Each embodiment of the invention illustrated provides for two or full wave rectification.

Referring to Fig, 1 of the drawings, the rectifying unit has two branch lines t and i4 adapted to be connected with a source of either alternating or direct current by means of a conventional plug having terminals 2 and 3. Both branch lines discharge into a rectifying unit, and the output of this unit is connected by a line it with a filter consisting of an inductance H3 and condensers 52 and 63.

The rectified and filtered current is delivered through the line 35 to a translating device including the member 29 and the circuit of a radio receiving set which will be later described in detail. The return line of this receiving set, including the wires 25 and 26, is connected with a rectifying unit, and through said unit with both of the branch lines 4 and M.

The rectifying unit proper contains a rectifying tube having an anode l6 and a cathode I! bettween the branch line 4 and the filter, and a rectifying tube having an anode 28 and a cathode 29 between the return line 25 and the branch line i l, the anode 28 being connected with the return line 26 by the conductor 21.

The rectifying unit also contains an anode 51 and a cathode 58, the former of which is connected with the branch line I through the line 56, and the latter of which is connected through the line 59 with the line 18 through which current is impressed upon the filter as to one rectifying tube, and an anode BI connected through the line with the return line 25 and a cathode i5 connected with the branch line 4.

Heating elements 6 and 3 are provided in each tube, current being supplied thereto and to the tubes of the set through a branch line containing therein a resistance 5. The heater 6 is connected with the heater 8 through the lead 1, and the set tubes l0 and i2 are connected in series with the heaters of the rectifying tubes through the leads 9 and H and the circuit completed through the return line l3 connected with the branch line i i. The various heaters are connected in series, being energized by current fiowing directly from the source, whether this be alternating or direct current. Across the return line and the return line i3 of the heater circuit is a condenser 55.

The condenser 55 arranged in the shunt circuit from the return line around the rectifying unit to the source, has the effect of stabilizing the filter operation by minimizing or entirely avoiding the efiects of leakage from the filter condensers.

Without this condenser, experience has shown that disturbances, in the nature of a low frequency hum, are impressed upon the plate circuit, interfering with the reception, due to modulation of the rectified current by the alternations of the current from the source.

This shunt circuit, with the condenser between the return line and the source, modifies the condenser action in the filter so as to avoid this source of trouble in the set.

It has been found, in actual practice, that this shunt circuit does not modify the functioning of the set in any way when the source is of a direct current.

By the above arrangement, the anode l6 and its associated cathode H, and the anode 28 and its associated cathode 29 are connected in series with each other, with the filter and with the translating device, one being upon the input side and the other upon the return side of the translating device, the anode It? being connected with one terminal of the source and the cathode 29 being connected with the other terminal of said source.

The arrangement of the anode 5i and its associated cathode 58 and the anode 6i and its associated cathode i5 is the same as that heretofore described in relation to the other rectifying units, the anode 51 being connected through the line H! with one terminal of the source, and the cathode l5 being connected through the line 4 with the other terminal of the source.

The arrangement above described affords two alternative paths for the fiow of current having positive polarity, and this is true whether the source is an alternating or a direct current, and

rectifiers in one of these paths restricts the flow of the current of positive polarity to the other path. Irrespective of the path through which the positive current may be flowing, such current is impressed through the line l8 upon the filter and the translating device. Both paths are constantly closed, so that the rectifying unit action is fully automatic, whether the source be of alternating or direct current.

One of the electronic rectifiers, connected with one branch line, forms a normally closed path to the line l8, and the other electronic rectifier connected with said branch prevents any current fiow across the line. The same condition is true as to the electronic rectifiers on the other side of the line.

In this manner, I am enabled to impress upon the filter and the translating device, Whatever its nature, a uni-directional current of positive polarity, since the various electronic rectifiers have a substantially constant impedance. This ensures the delivery of a current, the potential of which is constant excepting for variations which may occur in the potential of the source.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, therefore, means are provided controlling and limiting the direction of fiow of the current to one of two paths, alternatively, according to the reversals in the current flow in the source, in the case of alternating current, or according to the polarity of the connection with the source in a direct current, and also rectifying means functioning as such only when the device is used with alternating current.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1, each of these means consists of rectifying units as described.

The translating device, including the member 20, consists of an antenna 30, line 3|, condenser 32, line 33, inductance coil 34, condenser 36 and ground connection 35. A line 38-42 between the inductance 34 and a grid 43 or a vacuum tube has therein a grid condenser 49 and a grid leak II, the anode i9 and the cathode 44 of said tube. The line 39 is connected with the condenser 36, inductance 34 and tuning condenser 31 and With the return line 25 through the line 24, which is also connected with the condensers 32 and 63.

The input to the translating device is through the line 25 between the filter and the member 29, the other side of this member 23 being connected through the line 2| with the anode 22 of the vacuum tube provided with the heater II), this tube having a cathode 23 and a grid 52 connected with the anode 39 by the line I- i8 containing therein the condenser 33. Connecting the line 45 with the line 48 is a line 46 having therein a resistor ll, and connected across the line 5|- 24, between the condenser 50 and the grid 52, is a resistor 54.

The above details of the translating device, in the form of a radio receiving set, are merely for the purpose of indicating the current flow of the translating device in relation to the device of my invention.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 2, the branch line 66 corresponds with the branch line 4 and the branch line 99 corresponds with the branch line I l shown in Fig. 1. The terminals 6d and 35 correspond with the terminals 2 and 3 of Fig. 1.

One of these branch lines, 33, instead of being connected with the anode of a rectifying unit, is connected with one terminal of a resistor 67. The other branch line 33 is connected with one terminal of a resistor II 5. These resistors 67 and H5 control and limit the direction of flow of current from the source, Whether this source be alternating or direct current, and correspond in function with those rectifying tubes shown in Fig. 1 having the function of controlling and limiting the direction of flow of the current.

The resistors 67 and H5 are connected with each other and have approximately equal resistance so as to ensure substantially the same voltage drop in the current flowing through each. The remaining terminal of each resistor is connected by the line 53 with an anode 69 of an electronic rectifying unit having a cathode I3 and a heater 86. The cathode I9 is connected through the line II with the inductance I2 of a filter having condensers H9 and H3 connected by the lines I09 and H2 with opposite terminals of the inductance, and through the line III with the branch line 33. The terminals of the inductance I2 are also connected by the lines IUI and I05 with condensers I92 and I04 connected through the line I03 with the branch line 65. The filter is connected by the line I3 with the member "I4 of a radio receiving set or other translating device.

In this embodiment of the invention, the return of the current is through a ground connection at 83 to the source. The heater 83 of a rectifying tube and the heater 88 of a vacuum tube in the translating device are energized by current passing through the line 33, the resistor 35, line 87 and line 89, the line 84 being connected with the branch line 85 and the line 89 being connected with the branch line 93.

The translating device shown in this figure, and also in Fig. 3, consists of an antenna 9| connected through the line 92, condenser 93, line 94, inductance 95 and line I9 to the ground connection 80. The line 94 is connected through the line 96 with the grid I 00, this line having therein a condenser 98 and grid leak 99. The member I4 is connected by the line I5 with the anode I6 of the electronic tube having the heater 88, and the cathode 17 is connected with the line I8 and the line 19. A tuning condenser is connected across the lines 96-18 between the grid leak and the antenna.

Extending from the point of connection of the line 68 to the resistors til-I I5 is a line 8I-83 having therein a condenser 82. This line in connected with the line I8 and also with the line I3 through the line MiG-I38 having therein a condenser I07.

In this form of the invention, there will be a reduction of the voltage delivered by the source, as a result of the sum of the impedance. of the rectifying tube and of one of the resistors GI-I I5, but the full voltage of the line, as modified by the resistor 85, will be impressed upon the heaters.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 3 is identical with the shown in Fig. 2, with the exception that the line 84, instead of being connected with one of the branch lines, as 86, is connected with these branch lines through one or the other resistor 6I-I I5 so as to reduce the voltage of the line supplying energy to the heaters of the rectifying or vacuum tubes.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 4, branch lines II 8 and I30, plug terminals H3 and H1, and resistors H9 and I3I, corresponding in arrangement with those shown in Figs. 2 and 3, are used. An all metallic return line I2'l-I32 is used, one of these lines being connected with the branch line I39 and the other being connected with the branch line H8.

Arranged in one return line is an electronic rectifying tube, the anode I28 of which is connected with the line I21 and the cathode I23 of which is connected with the branch line I30. The other return line I32 is connected with the anode I33 of another electronic rectifying tube, the cathode I34 of which is connected with the branch line H3.

The line I20, connected with both resistors H9 and I3I, is connected with the inductance I2I of a filter, which in turn is connected by the line I22 with the member I23 of the translating device. Connected across the lines I23 and I2! by means of lines I32 and IE4 is a condenser I63. Connected across the lines I22 and I 27 by the lines I53 and ISI is a condenser I33, the condensers I60 and I63 forming a part of the filter.

The heaters I36 and I 39 of the rectifying unit and the heater I40 of the translating device are connected in series by means of a line leading from the branch line H8, having therein a resistor I35.

Like with the arrangement of resistors as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, the voltage of the current in the line I20 will be approximately one-half that of the voltage of the supply from the source. When the operation of the translating device requires higher voltages, I employ a condenser I63 connected across the lines II 8 and I23, the alternate charging and discharging of which, when alternating current is used, substantially doubles the voltage delivered to the inductance I2I of the filter.

Extending from the line I27 to the branch line I3g is a line I65-I61 having therein a condenser I6 The translating device, including the member I23, is substantially identical with that shown in Figs. 2 and 3, with the exception that an all metallic return line is used instead of a ground return.

This device consists of an antenna I42 connected by the line H13 and, through the condenser I44, line I45, inductance I45, line I41, condenser I48 and line I49, to the ground connection I50. The antenna is connected with the grid I58 of an electronic tube through the line I5I, condenser I55 and line I51, which line is provided with the usual grid leak I55.

Across the lines I21 and I5I is the usual tuning condenser I53, the plates of which are comiected with said lines by the lines I52 and I54 respectively. The anode or plate I25 is connected by a line I24 with the member I23, and the cathode I26 is connected with the return line I21.

The radio set shown in this figure is not provided with a condenser corresponding with the condenser I01. in Figs. 2 and 3.

Referring to Fig. 5 of the drawings, this embodiment of the invention includes therein branch lines I55 and ISO connected with terminals H55 and I54 of an ordinary plug. In lieu of electronic rectifying tubes or resistors in controlling and limiting the direction of the flow of the current, I employ two condensers I19 and I90, one of which is connected with the branch I80 and the other of which is connected with the branch I56. The two condensers are connected by the line I18.

Two electronic rectifying tubes are used in this embodiment of the invention, the anode I81 of one of which is connected with the branch I66, and the anode 2I8 of the other of which is connected with the branch I80. The former anode is also connected with the condenser I90, and the latter is connected with the condenser I19. The cathodes I58 and HI of said rectifiers respectively are connected by the lines I69 and 2 I2 and the common line I with the inductance I of the filter, which filter is connected by the line I12 with a member I13 of the translating device. The return line is shown at I11, one end of this line being connected with ground so as to adapt the device for use with direct current, and the other end of which is connected with the line I18 between the condensers I19 and I96.

Connected across the line I'M-411 by the lines 201 and 259 is a condenser 208. Connected across the lines 512 and I11 by the lines 204 and 206 is a condenser 285, these condensers forming a part of the filter structure.

I believe that in this arrangement the condensers I19 and IE5, in addition to limiting and controlling the direction of flow of the current, act very much as the condenser I63 shown in Fig. 4, increasing the voltage of the current impressed upon the filter and the translating device, and, unlike the arrangement shown in Fig. 4, will impress additional voltage on the line with both alternations of an alternating current.

The translating device is substantially identical with that shown in Fig. 4, the antenna being shown at I9I and the connections between same and the ground connection I91 consisting of the line I92, condenser I93, line I94, inductance I95 and line I96. The tuning condenser I99, the condenser 208, the grid leak 20I and grid 243 are the same as in Fig. 4. The anode I19 01" the electronic tube is connected with the member I13 by the line I14 and the cathode I15 of this tube is connected to the line I11.

The heaters of the rectifying tubes in the rectifying unit and the radio electronic tube are connected in series, one end of the line supplying current being connected by the line IBI with the branch line I65 and having a resistor I82 therein which is connected by the line I83 with the heater I84, this heater being connected by the line I85 with the heater I85, which in turn is connected by the line I81 with the heater I88. This heater in turn is connected by the line I89 to the branch line I80.

It will be noted that no condenser corresponding with the condenser I48 of Fig. 4 is used in the connection between the inductance I and the ground connection I91, this line I96 being used as a return line when the current supply is direct current.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 6, the arrangement of parts of hook-up is like that shown in Fig. 4, with the exception that no condensers are used to raise the voltage of the current impressed upon the filter. The branch lines 254-255 and 268299 are respectively connected with the plug terminals 253 and 253 which may be connected with the terminals of either an alternating or a direct current source.

The direction of the current flow is controlled by a rectifying unit containing resistors 255 and 380, and electronic rectifying tubes, one of which has an anode 251 and a cathode 296, and the other of which has an anode 265 and a cathode 251. An electronic rectifying tube is arranged in the return line to each branch line, the cathode of each tube being connected with a branch line. A line 251, connected to the adjacent terminals of the resistors 2553fill, leads to the inductance 258 of a filter. The return line 264 of the translating device is connected by branch lines 298 and 255 with the anodes 291 and 266. Filter condensers 211 and 21.8 are connected across the line 259 from the inductance to the member 260 of the translating device and the return line 264 and across the lines 251 and 264.

The heaters 21I and 213 of the two rectifying tubes and 215 of a vacuum tube or tubes in the translating device are connected in series and are energized by current drawn from a branch line through the line 269 having a resistor 210 therein, and through lines 212 and 214, the heater circuit being completed through the line 216 connected with the other branch line 268.

The translating device, including the member 250, is substantially identical with that shown in Fig. 4, and includes an antenna 219 connected by the line 280 and through the condenser 28!,

line 282, inductance 283, line 284, condenser 285 and line 285 with ground at 281.

The antenna is connected with the grid 292 of the vacuum tube having the heater 215, through the line 238-29I having therein the condensers 290 and grid leak 289.

Across the line 288-254 is the usual tuning condenser 254, the plates of which are connected with said lines by the lines 253 and 295. The anode or plate 262 of said vacuum tube is connected by the line 25I to the member 260, and the cathode 263 of said tube is connected with the return line 264.

Referring to Fig. 1, it will be observed that A. C. or D. C. enters plug 2, 3, and in the case of D. C. with 3 as positive, current flows from 3 through line 4, resistance 5, filament heater 6, line 1, filament heater 8, line 9, filament heater I0, line II, filament heater I2, lines I3 and I4, to negative side 2 of supply. At the same time current fiows from line 4 through anode or plate .IS, to cathode I1, line I8, resistance or choke I9,

to translating device 20, also charging condensers 62 and 63, through line 2I and plate 22 to cathode 23, lines 24, 25, 26 and 21, to plate 28, cathode 29 and line I4 to the negative side 2 of the supply, part of the current charging condenser 55.

Wireless waves are intercepted by antenna 30 and are converted into radio frequency currents which pass by line 3| through condenser 32, line 33, inductance coil 34, condenser 36 and then to ground 35. At the same time these currents pass by line 38 to grid condenser 40, grid leak 4I, line 42, to grid 43, cathode 44, and by line 39 to condenser 36, and ground 35, some of the current passing from line 38 through condenser 31, line 39, condenser 36, to ground 35.

From the filter choke or resistor, I9, current flows by line 45 to line 46, resistor 41., line 43 to anode or plate 49, cathode 44, and line 24, to lines 25, 26 and 21, anode 28, cathode 29, line I4 to negative side 2 of the supply. Also from line 48 to condenser 50, lines 5|, grid 52, line 53, resistor 54 and line 24 and to the negative side of the supply as before stated.

It will be observed that if the plug connection to the power supply is reversed so that connection 2 is at the positive side of the power supply line, current flows through lines I4 and 56, anode 51, cathode 58, lines 59 and I8, to choke or resistor I9, line 45, translating device 20, line 2I, anode 22, cathode 23, lines 24, 25, 26, 60 anode 6|, cathode I5, and line 4, and to the reversed negative side 3 of the power supply line.

When an alternating current power supply is used the circuits are the same and the effect is the same as if the plug were rapidly changed or reversed in position as aforesaid, and the condensers 62 and 63 are alternately charged and discharged into lines I8, 45 and line 24 respectively.

In Fig. 2, A. C. or D. C. enters plug 64, 65 and in the case of D. C. with 65 as positive, current flows from 65 through line 66, resistor 61, charging condenser 82, line 68, anode 69, cathode 10, line 1I, resistor or choke 12, charging condensers H3, H and I01, to line 13, translating device 14, line 15, anode 16, cathode 11, lines 18 and 19 to ground, 86. At the same time current flows from line 66 to line 84, to resistor 85, heater 86, line 81, heater 88, line 89, line 99, to the negative side 64 of the power supply.

As illustrated in the radio circuit shown, wireless waves are intercepted by antenna 9|, converted into radio frequency currents which pass by line 92 to condenser 93, line 94, inductance 95, line 19, to ground 80, part of the current passing from line 94 to line 96, grid leak 99, and grid condenser 98, to grid I99, cathode 11, lines 18, and 19, and ground 00, some of the current passing from line 96 to condenser 91, lines 18, 19 and ground 66.

It will be observed that if the plug connection is reversed so that connection 64 is at the positive side of the power supply line, current flows through line 90, and resistor II5, to line 68, anode 69, cathode 16, resistor 12, charging condensers I02, I94 and I61, through line 13, translating device 14, line 15, anode 16, cathode 1 and lines 19, 16, to ground 66. Current a so flows from line 95 to line 69, heater 88, line 61, heater 96, resistor 35, lines and 66, to the reversed negative side 55 of the line. The flow of radio frequency currents is exactly the same as explained above.

When an alternating current power supply is used, the circuits are the same and the effect is the same as if the plug were rapidly changed or reversed in position as aforesaid, and condensers I02, I04, H0 and H3 are alternately charged and discharged across lines 13, 10, III and I03 respectively, it being assumed that one side of the power supply is grounded.

In the modification shown in Fig. 3, line 84 is connected to the intersection between resistors 61 and H5, instead of being connected to the intersection of lines 66 and I03. As a result a lower voltage is obtainable for the heaters. This circuit permits operation on 220 volts with full wave rectification and other advantages of Fig. 2 and permits the use of standard 110 volt vacuum tubes on 220 volt circuits.

In Fig. 4, A. C. or D. C. enters plug II6, II1, and in the case of D. C. with II1 as positive, flows from II1 to line II8, resistor II9, line I29, resistor or choke I2I, charging condensers I60 and I63, to line I22, translating device I23, line I24, anode I25, cathode I26, line I21, anode or plate I28, cathode I29, lin'e I30, to negative side of power supply at II6. Current also flows from line II8 to resistor I35, heater I36, line I31, heater I38, line I39, heater I40, lines MI and I30, to the negative side of the power supply line at II6. As illustrated in the radio circuit shown, wireless waves are intercepted at antenna I42, and are converted into radio frequency currents which flow through line I43, condenser I44, line I45, inductance I46, line I41, condenser I48, and line I49 to ground I56. Also flowing from line I to line I5I, line I52, condenser I53, lines I54, I21, I41, condenser I48, line I49, to ground I50, also flowing from line I5I, through grid leak I56 and grid condenser I to line I51, grid I56, cathode I26, line I21, and thence to ground I56. It will be observed that if the plug connection is reversed so that II6 is on the positive side of the line, current flows from plug II6 to line I30, resistor I3I, line I20, to choke or resistor I2I, charging condensers I69 and I63, to line I22, translating device I23, line I24, anode I25, cath ode I26, lines I21 and I32, anode I33, cathode I34, line II 8 and to the reversed negative side ill of the power supply line. Current also flows from line I30 to line I4I, heater I40, line I39, heater I36, line I31, heater I36, to resistor I35, line I I8, to the reversed negative I I1 of the power supply line.

When an alternating current power supply is used, the circuits are the same and the effect is the same as if the plug were rapidly changed or reversed in position as aforesaid, and the condensers I and I63 are alternately charged and F discharged. The condenser I66 is charged on every alternate half cycle, and on the other half cycle it is discharged into line I20, thus providing a means when alternating current is used, for increasing voltage as desired.

In Fig. 5, A. C. or D. C. enters plug I64, I65. In case of D. C. with I65 as positive, it flows from I65 to line I66, anode I61, cathode I68, to lines I69 and I19, to choke or resistor I1I, charging condensers 205 and 293, to line I12,

' translating device I13, line I14, anode I15, cathode I16, lines I11, I96, ground I91 and thence to the grounded side of the power supply line.

As illustrated in this radio circuit, wireless waves are intercepted by antenna I9I and are converted into radio frequency currents which pass by line I92, through condenser I93, line I94, inductance I95, line 566 to ground I91. At the same time these currents pass by line I98 to grid leak 25! and grid condenser 260, to line 262, grid 293, cathode I16, line I11, line I96, ground I91.

They also pass from line I98 through condenser I99 to ground I91.

If the plug connection to the power supply is reversed so that connection IE4 is at the positive side of the power supply line, current fiows from I64 to line I80, to anode 250, cathode 2I I, lines 2I2 and I10, resistor or choke I1I, charging condensers 255 and 208, to line I12, translating device I13, line I14, anode I15, cathode I15, and lines I11 and I95, to ground I91 and to the grounded side of the power supply line.

When an alternating current power supply is used, the fiow of current on one half cycle is from plug connection I55 to line I66, anode I51, cathode I58, lines I59, I10, resistor or choke I1I, line I12, translating device I13, line I14, anode I15, cathode I16, line I11, line I13, condenser I19, and line I85 to the other side of the line through plug connection I54. On the other half of the cycle, current flows from plug connection I54 to line I35, anode 2I5, cathode 2I I, line 2I2, line I15, resistor or choke I1I, line I12, translating device I13, line I14, anode I15, cathode I15, line I11, line I18, condenser I95, and line I55, to the other side of the power supply line through plug I55. Part of the current flowing from line I15 on every alternat on, charges condensers 255 and 208. The flow of current from the antenna system is the same as described above.

In Fig. 6 A. C. or D. C. enters plug 252, 253, and in case of D. C. with 253 as positive, current flows from 253 to lines 254 and 255, resistor 256, line 251, choke or resistor charging condensers 211 and 218, line 259, translating device 260, line 2'6I, anode 252, cathode 253, lines 254 and 255, anode 255, cathode 251, and line 258 to the negative side of the plug 252. Current from line 254 also flows to line 259, resistor 210, line 21I, heater 21I, line 212, heater 213, line 214, heater 215, line 215, and line 258 to negative side of the plug 252.

In the radio portion of the circuit, the radio waves are intercepted by antenna 219 and converted into radio frequency current passing through line 285, condenser 28I, line 282, inductance 283, line 284, condenser 235, line 285, to ground 231, part of the current passing from line 282 to line 288, grid leak 289, condenser 29!), line 29I, grid 2S2, cathode 253, line 255, line 284, condenser 285, line 285 to ground 281. Part of the current from line 288 also fiows to line 293, condenser 294, line 295, lines 254 and 284, condenser 285, line 238, to ground 231.

If the plug connection to the power supply is reversed so that connection 252 is at the positive side of the power supply line, current flows from plug 252 to line 263, to line 299, resistor 390, line 251, resistor or choke 258, line 259, translating device 252, line 255, anode 252, cathode 253, line 254, line 298, anode 251, cathode 296, line 254 to the now negative side 253 of the power supply line. Part of the current flows from line 258 to line 215, heater 215, line 254, heater 213, line 212, heater 21l', line 21I, resistor 210, to lines 253 and 254, to the now negative side 253 of the power supply line.

When an alternating current power supply is used the circuits are the same and the effect is the same as if the plug were rapidly changed or reversed in position as aforesaid, and condensers 211 and 288 are alternately charged and discharged.

It will be observed that in all forms of the invention herein shown and described, the device may be used with a source of either alternating or direct current, and that there will be a continuous uni-directional fiow of current at a substantially constant potential, irrespective of the polarity of the connection with the source.

This is due to the use of a rectifying unit in which two constantly closed paths having substantially equal and constant continuing impedance are provided, each path having therein an electronic rectifying tube limiting the direction of flow of the current, in conjunction with other means, either electronic rectifying tubes or resistors permitting the current to select said paths alternatively, according to the polarity of the connection with the source.

Under all conditions, a uni-directional current of positive polarity is impressed upon a filter through a common line, and the output of said filter is impressed upon a translating device, whether this be a radio receiving set, hearing aid or other type of device capable of utilizing the current delivered by the device of my invention.

The various elements in the rectifying unit, to wit: electronic rectifying tubes, resistors and con densers, all have small dimensions and are of light weight so as to permit the construction of a small unit which may be readily incorporated in a structure embodying the filter and the translating device.

These elements will all operate over long periods of time without any attention from the user, and without any material variance in the potential of the current impressed upon the filter. Furthermore, the working conditions in each path between the source and the filter will remain substantially unchanged in relation to the conditions in the other path.

Of course, it will be understood that various modifications may be made in the construction and arrangement of circuits and parts without departing from the spirit of invention as claimed.

I claim:

1. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including a thermionic rectifying unit, and two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, whereby a uni-directional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and the anode of said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, a heater for said rectifying unit, conductors connecting the heaters in said rectifying unit and in said translating device across said branch lines, and a return line isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials.

2. In a device or the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a filter, and means afiording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including a thermionic electronic rectifying unit, and two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, whereby a uni-directional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and the anode of said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, a heater for said rectifying unit, conductors connecting the heaters in said rectifying unit and in said translating device across said branch lines, and a return line isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the oathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials.

3. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, 2, return line, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, two thermionic electronic rectifiers each including therein an anode, a cathode, and means for heating the cathode, the anode of one of which and the cathode of the other of which are connected with the same branch line, and the cathode of one of which is connected with said filter and the anode of the other of which is connected with said return line, and two other thermionic electronic rectifiers each including therein an anode, a cathode, and means for heating the cathode, the anode of one of which and the cathode of the other of which are connected with the other branch line, and the cathode of one of which is connected with the filter and the anode of the other of which is connected with said return line, whereby a unidirectional current of positive polarity is im- I pressed upon said filter and said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, and conductors connecting the heaters of said rectifying units and in said translating device across said branch lines, said return line being isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials.

4. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct of an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a return line, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, two thermionic electronic rectifiers each including therein an anode, a cathode, and means for heating the cathode, the anode of one of which and the cathode of the other of which are connected with the same branch line, and the cathode of one of which is connected with said filter and the anode of the other of which is connected with said return line,

and two other thermionic electronic rectifiers each including therein an anode, a cathode, and means for heating the cathode, the anode of one of which and the cathode of the other of which are connected with the other branch line, and the cathode of one of which is connected with the filter and the anode of the other of which is connected with said return line, whereby a unidirectional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, heaters co-operating with said anodes and said cathodes respectively, a line having a resistor therein from one of said branch lines to said heaters, and a line from said heaters to said other branch line, said return line being isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials.

5. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a return line, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, two thermonic electronic rectifiers each including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater common to both of said anodes and said cathodes, the anode of one of which and the cathode of the other of which are connected with the same branch line, and the cathode of one of which is connected with said filter and the anode of the other of which is connected with said return line, and two other thermionic electronic rectifiers each including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater common to both of said anodes and said cathodes, the anode of one of which and the cathode of the other of which are connected with the other branch line, and the cathode of one of which is connected with the filter and the anode of the other of which is connected with said return line, whereby a unidirectional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, and conductors connecting the heaters in said rectifying units and in said translating device across said branch lines, said return line being isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform po tential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at diiferent potentials.

6. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a return line, a ground connection for said return line, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, two resistors, lines connecting opposite terminals of said resistors with said branch lines respectively, a thermionic electronic rectifying unit including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a line connecting the anode thereof with the other terminals of said resistors, a line connecting the cathode thereof with said filter, whereby a uni-directional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternat- 1g or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, and conductors connecting the heaters in said rectifying unit and in said translating device across said branch lines, said return line being isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connecion to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials.

'7. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device ineluding therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a return line, a ground connection for said return line, a filter, and means afiording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, two resistors, lines connecting opposite terminals of said resistors with said branch lines respectively, a thermionic electronic rectifying unit including therein an anode, a cathode,

and a heater, a line connecting the anode thereof with the other terminals of said resistors, a line connecting the cathode thereof with said filter, whereby a uni-directional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternatin or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, and conductors connecting the heaters in said rectifying unit and in said translating device across said branch lines, said return line being isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials, said filter including an inductance, a line adjacent each terminal of said inductance having a condenser therein, one plate of each condenser being connected with one of said branch lines, and a line adjacent each terminal of said inductance having a condenser therein, one plate of which is connected with said other branch line.

8. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a return line, a ground connection for said return line, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, two resistors, lines connecting opposite terminals of said resistors with said branch lines respectively, a thermionic electronic rectifying unit including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a line connecting the anode thereof with the other terminals of said resistors, a line connecting the cathode thereof with said filter, whereby a uni-directional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, conductors hav ing a resistor therein in series with said heaters, connecting the heaters in said rectifying unit and in said translating device across said branch lines, said return line being isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials, said filter including an inductance, a line adjacent each terminal of said inductance having a condenser therein, one plate of each condenser being connected with one of said branch lines, and a line adjacent each terminal of said inductance having a condenser therein, one plate of which is connected with said other branch line.

9. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, two resistors, lines connecting opposite terminals of said resistors with said branch lines respectively, two thermionic electronic rectifying units each including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, lines connecting the cath odes thereof with the opposite terminals of said resistors, a line connecting the anodes thereof, a return line connected with the anodes of said rectifying units respectively, a line connecting the other terminals of said resistors with said filter, whereby a uni-directional current or positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, and conductors connecting the heaters in said rectifying units and in said translating device across said branch lines, said return line being isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and bein of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at diiferent potentials.

10. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device, including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, two resistors, lines connecting opposite terminals of said resistors with said branch lines respectively, two thermionic electronic rectifying units each including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, lines connecting the cathodes thereof with the opposite terminals of said resistors, a line connecting the anodes thereof, a return line connected with the anodes of said rectifying units respectively, a line connecting the other terminals of said resistors with said filter, whereby a uni-directional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, a condenser connected across the line to said filter and conductors connecting the heaters in said rectifying units and in said translating device across said branch lines, said return line being isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials.

11. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, two resistors, lines connecting opposite terminals of said resistors with said branch lines respectively, two thermionic electronic rectifying units each including therein an anode, a cathode, and a heater, lines connecting the cathodes thereof with the opposite terminals of said resistors, a line connecting the anodes thereof, a return line connected with the anodes of said rectifying units respectively, a line connecting the other terminals of said resistors with said filter, whereby a uni-directional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, a condenser connected across the line to said filter and one of said branch lines, and conductors having a resistor therein connecting the heaters in said rectifying units and in said translating device across said branch lines, said return line being isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials.

12. In a device of the character described adapted to be operated from either a direct or an alternating current source, a circuit from said source having therein in series a translating device including therein an anode, a cathode and a heater, a filter, and means affording two constantly closed paths through which current may alternatively flow, including a thermionic electronic rectifying unit and two branch lines adapted to be connected respectively with the terminals of said source, whereby a uni-directional current of positive polarity is impressed upon said filter and the anode of said translating device, irrespective of whether said branch lines are connected with an alternating or a direct current source, and irrespective of the polarity of such connection, a heater for said rectifying unit, conductors connecting the heaters in said rectitying unit and in said translating device across said branch lines, a return line isolated from said last named heater circuit, having a connection with the cathode in said translating device and being of uniform potential from said cathode connection to the source, whereby the heater and the cathode in said translating device are at different potentials, and means for completing the signal circuit around said rectifying unit, including therein a conductor connected with the return line and with the source of the signal circuit, and a condenser in the length of said conductor.

HARRY G. CISIN. 

